1981 corvette carb replacement
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1981 corvette carb replacement
i have a 1981 corvette and im lookin to replace the carb soon because its getting a lil weak. i want to replace it with a 650cfm carb. anybody know of a good brand and model number that will fit in my car without heavy modification? thanks
Kevin
Kevin
#4
Burning Brakes
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You might check out the Edelbrock 190X series - pick the one that is for your year range. These are new carbs based on the Rochester carb (same as what you have now). Your other changes (air cleaner, vac lines, etc) will be minimal if you stick with the same kind you are pulling off. Of course, you have some electronic connections to your carb that I dont have. Check the Edelbrock web site for more info to see if this is a good option for you. As I recall, 1901 is for the early motors. A 1902 came with my car and it is very nice.
Last edited by djcwardog; 12-06-2004 at 07:54 AM.
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Le Mans Master
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Ummm...nobody has addressed the issue of the '81 being computer controlled. Unless your car has already been altered, there's more to it than simply swapping the carb.
In any case, if the car is getting a "lil weak" there's other issues at play. The carb is often blamed, but is actually the least of your problems!
In any case, if the car is getting a "lil weak" there's other issues at play. The carb is often blamed, but is actually the least of your problems!
#6
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Page is right: 1981 is an ECM-controlled carb, and it cannot be replaced with a standard carb unless you plan on eliminating all your ECM controls to the carb system. You need to retain your existing carb if you want to keep your ECM controls intact.
Also, keep in mind that your stock intake manifold will only accept a spread bore Q-Jet type carb. If you want to change over to a Holley/BG type system, you have to swap your intake manifiold in addition to eliminating all computer controls.
If your Vette is stock or near stock, I suggest you do a good rebuild on your original ECM Q-Jet and do a good tuning of the car to bring back the performance.
#7
Originally Posted by page62
Ummm...nobody has addressed the issue of the '81 being computer controlled. Unless your car has already been altered, there's more to it than simply swapping the carb.
In any case, if the car is getting a "lil weak" there's other issues at play. The carb is often blamed, but is actually the least of your problems!
#9
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St. Jude Contributor
I just purchased a 81 Formula that had a rebuilt q-jet on it, computer controlled. I believe may computer was bad as it would idle and run all over the place. I replaced the carb with a edelbrock 1406 and replaced the dist also. No more computer control. Runs much better. I do have the rebuilt carb if you just have to have one. I took it off and took the top off to look for trash. I found none but didn't get something back right and fuel came out the top. Probably an easy fix if you know something about carbs. Pesonally I'd swap the carb and dist. If you want the one I've got, I'll let ya have it cheap as I also have the original.
#10
Originally Posted by lars
If your Vette is stock or near stock, I suggest you do a good rebuild on your original ECM Q-Jet and do a good tuning of the car to bring back the performance.
(Hi Lars: any idea how long AFR take to deliver heads???).
What's "winter"?
It's not bad at all here (global warming? Bring it on!) but parts of Utah are only a couple of degrees warmer than a deep freeze I used to work in
Brooksman,
If Kevin doesn't want it, what sort of price do you want for it? More importantly, is the thread on the fuel inlet OK (the large thread where the fuel filter sits) & is it a 17081228?
Last edited by UKPaul; 12-06-2004 at 10:49 AM.
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St. Jude Contributor
Fuel filter threads are ok. Where would the number be located. My Formula has a chevy 305 so I am assuming it is close if not the same carb.
#12
Originally Posted by brooksman9
Fuel filter threads are ok. Where would the number be located.
#15
Melting Slicks
You've just got to decide if you want to troubleshoot electrons (stock) or vaccuum (1980 style set-up).
Don't duplicate the actions of the mechanical "genius" I got Fast81 from.................................swi tched the carb, left the electronic distributor in -- No wonder it didn't run too well
I've got the entire Edlebrock Performer Power Package (Carb, Intake [nonEGR], Cam & lifters) that came off Fast81 when she went for a rebuild.
Now running RPM AIRGAP, XE268, and the Projection FI that's been on duty for a few years.
Don't duplicate the actions of the mechanical "genius" I got Fast81 from.................................swi tched the carb, left the electronic distributor in -- No wonder it didn't run too well
I've got the entire Edlebrock Performer Power Package (Carb, Intake [nonEGR], Cam & lifters) that came off Fast81 when she went for a rebuild.
Now running RPM AIRGAP, XE268, and the Projection FI that's been on duty for a few years.
#16
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Originally Posted by an81shark
i'm running an RPM air gap w/ a demon carb on my 81. the only thing the computer does anymore is lock up the torque converter.
#17
I am in the same boat as some others. When my 81 refused to run anymore, I bought a Holley carb and intake and got myself back on the road quickly. Now I know that it has never been right since doing that, but at the time, it ran with the Holley and got me to and from work everyday for many years.
Now I feel I want to go back to my stock set up and make the computer do more of the work for me. With the E4ME factory presets, blind rivets, hidden controls, etc., what can accually be done to rebuild a E4ME other than clean it top to bottom? Mine has been sitting up with its intake for years in a box.
I agree on one thing, the stock distributor and a replacement carb do not mix very well. It works, but not really well for sure.
Thanks.
Now I feel I want to go back to my stock set up and make the computer do more of the work for me. With the E4ME factory presets, blind rivets, hidden controls, etc., what can accually be done to rebuild a E4ME other than clean it top to bottom? Mine has been sitting up with its intake for years in a box.
I agree on one thing, the stock distributor and a replacement carb do not mix very well. It works, but not really well for sure.
Thanks.
#18
Le Mans Master
My 81 i have change everything to Edelbrock proformer(heads,cam lifters.intake and carb) also changed the distrubitor. Took the computer out as I have a 4 speed. It seams to run great.
#19
Originally Posted by brooksman9
Fuel filter threads are ok. Where would the number be located. My Formula has a chevy 305 so I am assuming it is close if not the same carb.
Sorry it's taken a while, didn't get to see the carb until this morning. Right then, the number is on the rear of the d.side of the carb, just behind the throttle cable setup. There's a vertical rib on the side of the carb (reinforcement for an air horn screw?) & the number is written vertically on the front face of the rib. There's another number immediately below it, but I haven't a clue what it means. If you stand facing the throttle cable bracket & look to the right you should see the numbers.
Now I feel I want to go back to my stock set up and make the computer do more of the work for me. With the E4ME factory presets, blind rivets, hidden controls, etc., what can accually be done to rebuild a E4ME other than clean it top to bottom? Mine has been sitting up with its intake for years in a box.
how did you set up so the convertor is the only thing controlled by computer? what did you replace?
My 81 i have change everything to Edelbrock proformer(heads,cam lifters.intake and carb) also changed the distrubitor. Took the computer out as I have a 4 speed. It seams to run great.
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